Getting Started with Your Liaison PC
Welcome to Liaison! Before you can start working, we’ll need to get your computer set up. First, you’ll receive a package from Liaison’s IT team containing the standard hardware that you’ll need to get started. The contents of the package vary depending on your role. If additional equipment is required, work with your manager to submit a request.
Getting Started with Your Computer Setup
Once all your hardware has arrived, you can get started with setting things up. To do so:
- Place the docking station where you intend to work, and use the accompanying power supply to plug it in.
- Use the HDMI cables to connect the monitors to your docking station.
Where necessary, an HDMI to DisplayPort adapter is included with your supplies. To use this, connect one end of the HDMI cable to the monitor, and the other to the adapter. Then connect the DisplayPort end of the adapter to your docking station. Plug your monitors into an electrical outlet.
- Connect the laptop to your docking station.
- Power on the laptop to test that the docking station setup was successful.
Issues setting up? Review the If You Have Trouble Setting Up section.
Logging in to Your Laptop
To log in to your laptop, you’ll need to obtain your Liaison username (usually first initial + last name) and temporary password. Check your personal email for a message from itdepartment@liaisonedu.com. This message contains an expiring link to your temporary password. Follow the link and click View Secret to see your password.
Use this password to log in for the first time.
Getting Connected
After you’ve logged in for the first time, complete these steps:
- Connect to your Wi-Fi by clicking the Wi-Fi icon in your system tray. Select the appropriate network and enter your password.
- Connect to FortiClient by selecting the green icon in your system tray. FortiClient is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) software allowing you to connect with Liaison’s network through the internet securely. With this connection, you can complete functions that are typically unavailable to external computers.
- When prompted, choose Liaison Intl. as the VPN name. Then enter your Liaison username and password.
- Once you’re connected to the VPN, press CTRL + ALT + DEL on your keyboard and select Change a Password to choose your own password. In the future, this is the password you will use to log in to your computer and any Microsoft software related to Liaison. Alternatively, you can change your password using the Self Serve Password Reset system.
- Open Outlook and configure your multi-factor authentication. Confirm that your email account is working.
- Open Microsoft Teams to confirm this works as well.
Changing Your Liaison Password
Using the Self Serve Password Reset (SSPR) system, you can reset your own Liaison password as desired. To do this:
- Register for SSPR by opening your browser in private or incognito mode and navigating to https://aka.ms/ssprsetup.
- Sign in with your current username and password. Where applicable, you may be asked to verify your identity. Click looks good to confirm the information.
- Once you are registered, you can change your password by going to https://aka.ms/sspr.
- Enter your email address and complete the CAPTCHA requirement when prompted.
- Follow the prompts to reset your password.
- Microsoft sends an email to confirm your password was successfully reset.
Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that calls for two or more authentication methods before approving your login. This added layer of security requires you to verify your identity after entering your password.
When you first log in to Outlook, you’ll be asked to add your phone number or configure an authenticator app.
Microsoft will use the phone number you add here to send an automated text or voice message, providing a code you can use to verify your identity.
If you choose to authenticate via an app instead, you’re presented with a QR code.
Download and install Microsoft Authenticator on your personal mobile device. When setting up, choose Work or school account. When prompted, use your device to scan the QR code on your computer. This links the authenticator app to your Liaison account, requiring you to open the app to approve future sign-ins.
If You Have Trouble Setting Up
If you have trouble setting up your hardware, the IT Team can assist. Before calling for help, complete the following steps.
Install Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a communication platform Liaison uses for chat, meetings, video calls, and other collaboration efforts. Installing this now helps facilitate a video call with IT so that they can guide you through any issues with your hardware setup.
- Download and install Microsoft Teams on your personal device (i.e., your own tablet or cell phone). Once the hardware is set up, you can choose to delete the Teams app from your personal device.
- If you already have your Liaison username and password, use this to log in to Teams. If not, IT will provide a temporary password during your call.
- Make sure you have your current Wi-Fi password to connect to the internet from your current location.
Connect to the Internet
Connecting the laptop to your Wi-Fi in advance of the call also saves time. If you’re using a Windows laptop, you can get connected even without logging in to the computer. To do this:
- Turn on the laptop and wait for the login page to appear.
- Click the Wi-Fi icon at the bottom right.
- Select your Wi-Fi network and click Connect.
- Enter your Wi-Fi password to complete the connection.
Contacting the IT Team
If you have trouble setting up your computer, or if you run into any issues after your initial setup, contact the IT Team for assistance.
To do this, send an email to ithelpdesk@liaisonedu.com. You’ll receive an autoreply containing your ticket number or Request ID. If needed, use this number to refer to your ticket in the future.
When you contact the IT Team, they may ask you to use TeamViewer. TeamViewer is a remote access software allowing the IT team to connect to Liaison computers for support. They’ll use this to assist with your initial setup. When working with IT, they’ll ask you to provide the codes listed under Your ID and Password.
